We must ensure the rights of the Chagossians to return to their homeland

Following the UN General Assembly's vote to refer the issue of the Chagos Islands to the ICJ in The Hague, West Midlands MEP, James Carver, a long -time advocate and supporter of Chagossians, wishing to resettle, stated "Although the ICJ decision would not be binding, this is hugely embarrassing for the UK.

It only demonstrates how years of prevarication from successive governments, has blatantly ignored the urgent need for the HMG to rethink their strategy, specifically in relation to fair and transparent negotiations with the Chagossians to ensure their right to return to their homeland, and to agree a timeframe for that return."

"This referral to the ICJ can only further complicate and delay a resolution to this problem. Accordingly, I urge HMG to think more constructively as to how we can ensure the right of return, without compromising our defence needs".

The United Nations General Assembly asked the International Court of Justice on Thursday to give an advisory opinion on the legal consequences of Britain's separation of the Chagos archipelago from Mauritius more than 50 years ago.